students to the Auraria Campus recently, and I could see that the doors of their minds were opening in new ways. Most of them had never been on a college campus. It is exciting to introduce them to these options.”
Areli and her friend, Jesenia, both HOPE high school students at Action Learning Academy, are other students whose interest in college is growing. They find it humorous that they were ushered toward similar careers after they took their online surveys. They encourage each other to accomplish future ICAP targets, including crafting their own resumes, applying for jobs to earn money for college and establishing personal budgets to fortify the personal discipline needed for long-term success.
“It is wonderful that our students’ thinking is shifting from ‘I can’t go to college’ to realizing that there are actually resources to help them get there,” notes Ms. Richardson, echoing Ms. Bunton’s point of view. “Having a plan with steps and goals makes all the difference.”
Unique, a student at Hope Online’s Hillcrest Academy in Denver, found numerous avenues for financial assistance that encouraged her college search. “Finding scholarships is the best part of ICAP,” she points out with her classmate, Lonesha, nodding in emphatic agreement.
“These exercises help students envision a next step,” comments Action Learning Academy mentor Jason Kinkelaar. “I see our students getting more locked into the larger picture instead of just seeing today.”
Ending the day’s ICAP session, Ms. Richardson inspires students with a story about overcoming obstacles similar to those they face. She, too, had few resources and little hope of ever going to college when she was in high school, and yet, she followed her dream, worked hard and not only earned her bachelor’s degree but, eventually, a ...